Acting Chief Justice, His Lordship Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, has drawn national attention to what he believes is one of the most pressing issues facing Ghana today, not poverty, but indiscipline.
Speaking during an engagement with the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), where discussions were held on ways to improve justice delivery for offences within the petroleum sector, Justice Baffoe-Bonnie expressed concern about the growing lack of discipline across society. His message, though shared in the context of judicial collaboration, speaks more broadly to the state of the nation’s moral and legal culture.
“Ghana is not a poor country, but indiscipline is eating into the very fabric of our society,” he said, reflecting on the underlying causes of many challenges Ghana faces today. His comments were not framed as blame, but as a call to collective reflection and consistent action.
The meeting itself was centred on the NPA’s proposal to dedicate specific court time or establish a Petroleum Court to address fuel-related offences more efficiently. The Authority noted that delays in prosecuting such cases often allow offenders to continue harmful practices that affect the economy and public trust.
While supporting the idea, Justice Baffoe-Bonnie acknowledged the practical realities of a stretched judiciary. Still, he emphasized that legal enforcement must remain firm and timely if society is to function properly. “Unless we enforce the law consistently and decisively, this trend will continue unchecked,” he cautioned.
